Summary

  • While it looks increasingly likely that Steam is coming to the next-gen Xbox, that doesn't mean you'll be able to play PlayStation games.
  • Windows Central executive editor Jez Corden claims that PlayStation could block its games from running on Xbox, even via Steam.
  • However, it's worth noting that others, like The Verge reporter Tom Warren, disagree.

Yesterday, insider eXtas1s claimed that Xbox was testing Steam integration for the Microsoft Store in preparation for its next-gen console. This has been rumoured for months, with Microsoft even posting a mock-up Xbox UI featuring a 'Steam' tab, supporting the reports that its new console is more of a gaming PC hybrid. If that's the case, there are some interesting implications.

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Not only would Xbox have access to decades of gaming history, meaning built-in backwards compatibility, but it would also be privy to Steam's growing library of PlayStation exclusives. That means The Last of Us, God of War, Helldivers 2, and more.

Many have wondered how PlayStation might respond to its games suddenly being made available on its competitor, and that conversation has been kickstarted again in light of the new rumours. But Windows Central executive editor Jez Corden already gave his two cents earlier this year. "For those saying PlayStation can't block their games on Steam arbitrarily from an 'Xbox' PC: they absolutely 100% can," he posted on Twitter. "GeForce Now found this out the hard way."

Not Everyone Agrees: Some Are Doubtful That PlayStation Can Block Its Games On Xbox

Corden's tweet was met with some pushback, as commenters argued that the GeForce Now example was "about licensing" and that "it's doubtful PlayStation blocks their games via Steam". The Verge reporter Tom Warren, who reported earlier this year that Microsoft wants to make every game installed on your PC visible via the Xbox app, which lines up with eXtas1s' claims, likewise had doubts.

"I'm super curious how Sony can force Valve to block Steam games on particular Windows hardware," Warren replied. "I've never heard about a policy or instance of publishers being able to do this with Steam".

However, Corden insisted that he knows "for a fact PlayStation can do this if they feel inclined, so keep expectations in check". On r/GamingLeaksAndRumours, some speculate that Sony could do this by blocking its games "from running on whatever custom OS" that Xbox uses. There are plenty of games that don't support macOS, for instance, and kernel-level anti-cheats already prevent games like Call of Duty from running on platforms like the Steam Deck.

That's not to mention PSN requirements rendering games unplayable in certain countries, though that's a little different to blocking a platform.

As Corden says, we're still a few years away from the next-gen Xbox anyway, with a handheld reportedly set to launch first, so it'll be a while before we find out how it all works. Just don't count on playing Horizon Zero Dawn on your new Xbox when it finally hits store shelves.

Microsoft

Date Founded April 4, 1975 CEO Satya Nadella Subsidiaries activision blizzard, Microsoft Studios, Mojang Studios, Microsoft Game Studios, Xbox Game Studios Consoles Xbox, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series X|S Services Xbox Game Pass Headquarters Redmond, Washington, United States Expand Collapse